In my review of the San Diego Opera’s production of “Murder in the Cathedral” (which continues with performances April 2, 5, 7 at the Civic Theatre), I questioned whether a superlative production trumped the inherent challenges of Pizzetti’s sometimes musically mundane opera. Apparently, based on the audience response, it did. Here’s what you thought:

Josette Bevirt: Tonight’s performance of ‘Murder in the Cathedral’ was one of my favorite experiences at the SD Opera over the last nine years. The power of the lyrics, the beauty and complexity of the music, and the majesty of the sets combined to penetrate deep into the soul, stimulating an ongoing pondering of the questions so beautifully raised: pride vs. piety, loyalty vs. truth, justice vs. murder, saint vs. fool. Elegant voices, a rich chorus, and contrasting lightness of innocent youthful voices were skillfully combined, like an exquisite work of stained glass. Bravo!

Peter Polgar: Great music, great singing, excellent direction, a very wonderful experience. As always, Furlanetto is a gem!!!

Guy Vespoint: A big cheer to Ian Campbell — not just for directing an engaging production, but for having the gumption and commitment to present this rarely performed opera ... The opera, and its composer, are new to me; I found “Murder in the Cathedral” to be musically intriguing and thematically timely. The orchestra, under the super-capable baton of Donato Renzetti, never sounded more colorful than it did tonight. The choral work, even that of the children’s chorus (!), was excellent. And then there was the triumphant performance of Ferruccio Furlanetto; I doubt I’ll ever witness such a tour de force by a bass-baritone ever again. It was a performance that synthesized masculinity and grace, delivered with ardent acting and vocal splendor. Bravo!

Derek Legg: I am a nineteen year old college student at PLNU. I loved this opera! The orchestral score was beautiful, colorful, and moving. Ferruccio gave a powerful performance with incredible singing. I highly encourage you to see this show!

William J. Calise: A fabulous production, in all regards. As good as any opera I have ever attended. It was very fortunate Ian could get the original (Milan) Thomas (Ferruccio Furlanetto, who sang the role at La Scala). He was superb.

Marcelo Kaidi: Beautiful performance! The stage and lighting were amazing. I loved the part when Archbishop Becket gave mass, and is contemplating being martyred.

Mark Johnson: “Murder in the Cathedral” on Saturday night in San Diego proved to be beautiful and deeply moving, even for a non-Christian such as me. The murder in question was the killing of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, by knights of English King Henry II in A.D. 1170. Ildebrando Pizzetti’s libretto was based on a play by T.S. Eliot.

King Henry does not appear in the opera. The characters are, rather, Temptations that plague Becket in the days before his death, the knights who killed him, and the priests and women of Canterbury.

It was Ferruccio Furlanetto’s evening. As Becket, he had to sing for the better part of two hours, giving shape and humanity to music that was often unmelodic and a libretto that was both intellectual and deeply spiritual. His voice was not huge but was rich and expressive. He inhabited this role; San Diego Opera couldn’t have produced this opera without him.